When did Ronald Reagan die?

Answer in brief

Ronald Reagan died on June 5, 2004, at his home in Los Angeles, California. He was 93 years old. The official cause of death was pneumonia, with Alzheimer’s disease noted as a contributing condition. Public memorial services were held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, and he was laid to rest on the library grounds.

Quick facts at a glance

Attribute	Verified Detail	Source Type
Date of death	June 5, 2004	Official records, White House announcement
Location of death	Los Angeles, California, U.S.	Family statement and obituaries
Age at death	93 years	Biographical records
Official cause of death	Pneumonia, with Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing condition	Physician reports and official statements
Public burial	Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, California	Library and family announcements

Immediate context and confirmation

The query when Ronald Reagan died refers to a confirmed historical fact, not an open question or emerging story. On June 5, 2004, at his home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, the 40th President of the United States passed away at age 93. Cause of death was pneumonia, with Alzheimer’s disease noted as a contributing factor. His death was officially announced by White House press secretary Scott McClellan. This verified explainer clarifies enduring questions about date, location, circumstances, and legacy.

Biographical snapshot and context

Ronald Wilson Reagan (February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004) served as the 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. Before the presidency, he was a radio and film actor, labor union leader, and two-term Governor of California. His tenure was defined by tax and regulatory reforms, Cold War diplomacy, and a distinctive communication style that shaped conservative politics for decades. Understanding his later years and cause of death requires placing them within the arc of a long public life.

Health in later years

In the years after leaving the White House, Reagan’s health became a prominent public matter. In November 1994, he released a handwritten letter stating he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The illness progressed over the following decade. By 2001 he required full-time care, and he moved into his Los Angeles home under the supervision of family and caregivers. The long arc of Alzheimer’s was central to his later life and eventual death.

Circumstances and confirmation of death

On June 5, 2004, Reagan died at home in Los Angeles. His wife, Nancy Reagan, was by his side. The official cause was pneumonia, consistent with complications that can arise in advanced Alzheimer’s. The Reagan family announced the death that day, and the White House confirmed it shortly after. Public interest was immediate and global, given his prominence as a former Commander in Chief and international statesman.

National response and memorials

Following his death, the United States observed a national day of mourning. President George W. Bush ordered flags to half-staff and issued statements praising Reagan’s leadership. A state funeral was held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, with eulogies delivered by President Bush, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and other world leaders. He was subsequently interred on the library grounds alongside his wife, Nancy.

Legacy and enduring significance

Ronald Reagan remains a pivotal figure in modern American politics. His economic policies—often termed “Reaganomics”—reshaped debates on taxation and government size. His role in Cold War diplomacy is widely studied in foreign policy courses. Assessments of his presidency continue to vary across scholars and the public, but his influence on conservative thought and American governance remains substantial. Understanding when and how he died is part of comprehending his full historical footprint.

Frequently asked questions

What was the exact date of Ronald Reagan’s death? He died on June 5, 2004.
How old was Ronald Reagan when he died? He was 93 years old at the time of his death.
Where did Ronald Reagan die? He died at his home in Los Angeles, California.
What was the official cause of death? The official cause was pneumonia, with Alzheimer’s disease listed as a contributing condition.
Was a public funeral held? Yes, a public funeral was held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.
Where is Ronald Reagan buried? He is buried on the grounds of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.

Useful comparisons: Reagan at a glance

Date	Event	Why it matters
Feb 6, 1911	Born in Tampico, Illinois	Beginning of a long public life
Jan 20, 1981	Inaugurated as 40th President	Start of two consequential terms
Nov 1994	Publicly disclosed Alzheimer’s diagnosis	Illness that shaped his later years
Jun 5, 2004	Died at age 93 in Los Angeles	End of life; cause: pneumonia with Alzheimer’s noted
Jun 11, 2004	National day of mourning and state funeral	High-level recognition and memorial